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New Driving Test Laws – What you Need to Know

April 19, 2017

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It’s been announced that driving tests are changing – the most significant shake up of the test since the written theory exam was introduced in 1996.

The new test structure will be used from December 4th 2017.

But what’s actually changing? Here are the changes new drivers need to be aware of:

The independent driving part of the test will increase from 10 to 20 minutes

During the independent driving part of the test, four in five candidates will be told to follow sat-nav directions, rather than road signs

The reverse around a corner and turn in the road manoeuvres will no longer be tested

Instead, these will be replaced with more common scenarios like driving into a parking bay, parallel parking and pulling up at the side of a road and rejoining traffic

One of the two vehicle safety questions will be asked while the candidate is driving, such as washing the windscreen using controls

The price, pass mark and length of driving tests will not change. As long as candidates make 15 or less minor faults and no major faults they will pass – these faults are not changing with the new rules.

A driving test will still take about 40 minutes to complete.

The reasoning behind the change in driving tests is to make sure it better assesses a driver’s ability to drive safely and independently, especially with regards to young drivers who are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents. Road collisions are the biggest killer of young people. They account for over a quarter of all deaths of those aged between 15 and 19.

It also ensures drivers are up to date with new vehicle technology and the areas where new drivers face the greatest risk once they’ve passed their test.

Are you starting driving lessons? Take our online Theory Test to see if you’re ready for the road!